8 of the best Lord Howe Island accommodations for island bliss

Whether you’re wanting an all-inclusive luxury resort, self-catering apartments, or an island-style hideaway, there’s a variety of accommodation options to choose from on Lord Howe Island.

Measuring just 11 kilometres long and around 2.8 kilometres at its widest point, and with visitor numbers restricted to just 400 people at any one time, you might think Lord Howe Island doesn’t have much to offer in terms of accommodation.

The good news is that there’s a range of places to stay during a visit to this UNESCO World Heritage-listed destination, with most offering airport transfers, restaurant pick-ups, and wi-fi.

Here are some of the best Lord Howe Island accommodations to enjoy in between exploring the island.

1. The Cabin

a woman relaxing in a tub at The Cabin, Lord Howe Island accommodation — Spend a glorious day relaxing in a luxurious bath. (Image: Chelsea Holden)

Built with love by 6th generation Lord Howe Islander, Jess Owens and partner, Cameron, The Cabin is Lord Howe Island’s newest accommodation offering and its first fully off-grid retreat, set on five acres of untouched bushland, tucked away behind the family home and farm.

Getting back to nature doesn’t have to mean roughing it either, with The Cabin providing unlimited wi-fi, a luxury indoor bathtub, premium toiletries, plush bedding and furniture, and a welcome hamper packed with gourmet produce – think freshly laid eggs, baked sourdough, organic wines, and honey straight from the hive.

Perfect for couples, solo travellers, and outdoor enthusiasts, guests will love The Cabin’s outdoor rainwater shower, firepit, complimentary bikes, and private bush track leading to a secluded beach with use of kayaks included.

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2. Pinetrees Lodge

the Pinetrees Lodge nestled among tall pine trees, Lord Howe Island accommodation — This all-inclusive style lodge is surrounded by pines. (Image: Pinetrees Lodge)

A long-time favourite on Lord Howe Island, Pinetrees Lodge never gets old. As one of the longest-running family businesses in Australia, the lodge rests on land that’s been occupied by the family since their arrival on the island in 1848.

With a small collection of stylish rooms, suites and cottages, accommodation at Pinetrees Lodge has been regularly updated to provide guests with an elegant and comfortable stay.

Though you won’t find wi-fi and TV here (they’re intentionally excluded), there are endless nature-based and social activities to keep you occupied in this all-inclusive style lodge, with offerings that include shared facilities, yoga, guided tours, and culinary packages.

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3. Ocean View Apartments

the interior of Ocean View Apartments, Lord Howe Island accommodation — The self-catered units are complete with a kitchen and access to a games room. (Image: Ocean View Apartments)

An oldie but a goodie, Ocean View Apartments is one of Lord Howe Island’s original accommodation offerings. With 120 years’ worth of history, the apartments are conveniently located near the centre of town and the island’s main swimming spot, Lagoon Beach.

With their self-catered style, the units come complete with bedding, towels and cooking utensils, plus access to a games room, and the only full-size swimming pool on the island, that’s recently been renovated. Also included in a stay, is the use of outdoor equipment like paddleboards and snorkel gear from Ocean View’s boat house located at the lagoon foreshore.

Another feather in the property’s cap is the recent addition of its on-site restaurant, Driftwood. Specialising in Asian fusion, Driftwood Bar and Restaurant is a local favourite, as is Ocean View Apartments’ new coffee bar which operates daily from 7am-9am.

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4. Bowker Beach House

the Bowker Beach House within a forest, Lord Howe Island accommodation — Stay in a contemporary one-bedroom beach house in the forest. (Image: Bowker Beach House)

If you want somewhere all for yourself, Bowker Beach House is for you. Hidden away amongst native forest, yet centrally located, this contemporary one-bedroom beach house with its Instagram aesthetic comes with wrap-around timber decking, plus all mod cons and comforts like heated towel rails, coffee machine, Bose Bluetooth speakers, and fast wi-fi.

Perfect for lovers of indoors and outdoors, Bowker Beach House has an extensive library, boardgames, and selection of movies on a streaming service, plus it’s equipped with complimentary paddleboards, yoga mats and bicycles.

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5. Lagoon Landing

a beach-style bungalow at Lagoon Landing, Lord Howe Island accommodation — Each bungalow is designed in earthy tones with bleached timbers. (Image: lordhoweisland.info)

Though Lagoon Landing isn’t new, the two one-bedroom beach-style bungalows located near the central lagoon have undergone a refresh recently when current owners, Kylie and Rahnie Owens took over the business a few years ago.

Having spent their childhood living here, the Owens sisters have a nostalgic connection to the property, while their modern touches to the self-catered style cottages include cosy beach-chic style furniture, decorations and linens.

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6. Capella Lodge

Lord Howe Island accommodation — Take in views of Mounts Gower and Lidgebird from your luxe suite. (Image: Capella Lodge)

One of five Bailie Lodges within Australia and nine throughout the world, Capella Lodge is Lord Howe Island’s most premium resort, with its enviable position near the base of the island’s iconic twin peaks.

Consisting of 9 barefoot luxury suites connected to the main pavilion via boarded walkways and lush garden areas, guests can enjoy spectacular views of the coral reef plus Mounts Gower and Lidgebird from their accommodation, with some suites equipped with private hot tubs and plunge pools. There is also an onsite spa.

Inclusions here comprise of gourmet breakfast, in-suite bar, sunset drinks and canapes, an open bar from 6pm, and dinner matched with premium wines in the resort’s restaurant.

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7. Island House

the interior of Island House, Lord Howe Island accommodation — Each pavilion-style house is nestled among Banyan trees and Kentia palms. (Image: Anson Smart)

One of Lord Howe Island’s most recent accommodation options and certainly its most exclusive, is Island House. Comprised of two separate architecturally designed houses filled with museum-quality art, Danish mid-century furniture, high-fidelity sound systems, and kitchen full of produce grown on-site plus imported artisanal goods. Island House is set upon spacious grounds amid a forest of Kentia palms and old banyan trees.

Specialising in curated packages, Island House offers your own private chef and on-site manager to plan your island itinerary perfectly. Additions include a transit room for use as a flexible space and an adventure room stocked with high-quality outdoor adventure equipment. Best suited for whole-site bookings.

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8. Arajilla Retreat

With a collection of 12 luxurious suites amid lush surrounds, ranging from its 1-bedroom Kentia Suite to its 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom Blue Peter Beach House, Arajilla Retreat is located on the sheltered northern end of the island, behind Old Settlement Beach.

The resort continues to be one of the island’s most popular high-end stays, with its packages including gourmet breakfast, light lunch, drinks and canapes in the resort’s bar lounge, plus a 3-course dinner in the restaurant. With its menu changing daily, Arajilla’s dedicated chefs prepare meals with organic produce from the resort’s kitchen garden, fresh island seafood, plus a selection of quality produce from the mainland. Complimentary bicycles and snorkel gear are also included for exploring the island further.

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Discover the best Lord Howe Island walks and hikes

Bate Bay’s sweep of beaches has been crowned Australia’s best for 2026, placing Sutherland Shire in the spotlight as a top coastal destination just south of Sydney’s CBD.

The beaches fringing Bate Bay – Cronulla, North Cronulla, Wanda, Elouera and Greenhills – have topped Tourism Australia’s 2026 list of best Australian beaches (as curated by Beach Ambassador Brad Farmer). For locals, it’s less revelation, more recognition.

The mood shifts from the moment you step off the T4 train service from Central to Cronulla and catch a glimpse of the ocean. At dawn, the Esplanade is already buzzing with regulars, and by mid-morning, parents have staked out a toasty spot on Cronulla Beach where excited toddlers clamber over rocks, and the Jellybean swim squad at Oak Park have donned their bright pink caps while singing Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’.

By the afternoon, towels are being collected from across the sand as visitors wander back to Cronulla in loose formation.

North Cronulla beach — Dive into the world’s best beaches.

That’s the thing about Bate Bay beaches. This isn’t a story about a single beach. This long, uninterrupted sweep of sand and sea, where you can walk for kilometres without breaking stride, is not just enjoyed over summer; it’s a year-round destination. Here, Cronulla’s buzz gives way to Wanda’s wild edges, before stretching out to the quieter reaches of Greenhills.

But while Bate Bay’s beaches may have taken top honours in the 2026 Best Australian Beaches list, they’re only part of the drawcard. Sutherland Shire stacks up as a full-spectrum coastal escape, where good food, national park adventures and on-the-water experiences sit within easy reach of the shoreline. Whether you’re planning a long weekend or stretching out a stay, here’s how to make the most of Cronulla beyond the sand, sea and surf.

Beyond the beaches

Dining

The Sutherland Shire dining scene delivers from early morning to late at night with a mix of vibrant cafes, bars and pubs. Start your day at Grind Espresso, where the coffee comes strong and fast. From there, drift towards HAM for pastries, best eaten buttery warm.

By midday, locals linger across sun-lit tables. Loaf and Next Door appeal to the surfers who come in for snacks after chasing waves. Blackwood’s Pantry and The Press are also popular for breakfast and lunch, while Pilgrim’s continues to hold a special place in the hearts of vegans.

Newer arrivals signal where Cronulla is heading: Homer Rogue Taverna is being hailed as one of the best restaurants in Cronulla, with the confidence that comes from understanding what locals want. Ask a local to reveal their favourite restaurant for a special occasion, and it’ll likely be Pino’s Vino e Cucina al Mare, Yalla Sawa or Alphabet Street. Summer Salt, Sealevel, Benny’s, Bobbys and Pippis are a few of the best waterfront restaurants in the Shire.

Finally, when most places are winding down, Duke’s Providore shifts gears to become Duke’s After Hours – a low-lit romantic spot perfect for a date night. Parc Pavilion, Northies Cronulla and bars The Blind Bear, Las Chicas and Low & Lofty’s are also part of Cronulla’s identity.

Visit Bundeena

Bundeena Ferry Wharf — Catch a ferry to Bundeena.

A short ferry ride from Cronulla, Bundeena offers a counterpoint to Cronulla’s mighty surf beaches. If Cronulla is the Shire’s social heart, Bundeena – or Bundenesia, as it’s affectionately known – is the place to go to exhale and unwind.

Hop on the ferry from Cronulla, and within 30 minutes, you’ll be inhaling the eucalyptus-scented air. Check the creative pulse of the local community by timing your visit with the Bundeena Maianbar Art Trail on the first Sunday of every month.

One of the best things to do in Bundeena is paddle into Cabbage Tree Basin with Bundeena Kayaks. Follow the five-kilometre Jibbon Beach Loop Track that leads past quiet coves to ancient Indigenous rock art, or simply find a stretch of pearl-white sand to relax on.

Pristine walking trails

Royal National Park Cape Baily Walking Track — Cool off with a coastal stroll.

Beyond the coastline, Sutherland Shire offers myriad ways to shift gears. Royal National Park – the oldest national park in Australia – sits just minutes from the surf. Clifftop walks trace the edge of the continent, the rugged bushland is threaded with creeks and hidden waterfalls, and a network of tracks rewards those willing to go a little further.

Take the Coast Track, where the land drops cleanly into the ocean over sheer cliffs that have been stacked together like giant Jenga. Or veer inland, where pockets of forest cool the air and filter the light. It’s a reminder of how close nature sits to the bustle of suburbs in the Sutherland Shire.

Enjoy whale watching

humpback whale sighting noosa experiences — Spot whales from May to October. (Credit: The Edit Suite)

Twist your binoculars until the ocean is in focus, stretched like a creased blue sheet all around. Come May, the East Coast becomes the humpback highway. Thousands of whales migrate along this stretch of coastline each year, their movements tracked by keen eyes from vantage points like the Cape Solander platform in Kamay Botany Bay National Park, one of the best places for whale watching in Australia. There’s something quietly thrilling about seeing that first telltale spout or the arc of a breaching body against the vastness of the sea. From June to October, whale-watching cruises depart from Cronulla, offering a closer look at the migration.

Awards come and go. But places like Cronulla endure because they belong as much to the visitors as they do the early-morning swimmers, walkers and surfers.

Plan your escape at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.

8 of the best Lord Howe Island accommodations for island bliss

Whether you’re wanting an all-inclusive luxury resort, self-catering apartments, or an island-style hideaway, there’s a variety of accommodation options to choose from on Lord Howe Island.

1. The Cabin

2. Pinetrees Lodge

3. Ocean View Apartments

4. Bowker Beach House

5. Lagoon Landing

6. Capella Lodge

7. Island House

8. Arajilla Retreat

Inside a stay at Island House, Lord Howe’s most luxurious eco-retreat

What it’s like to stay at Lord Howe Island’s most exclusive resort

This stretch of Sydney beaches topped the annual Best Australian Beaches list

Bate Bay’s sweep of beaches has been crowned Australia’s best for 2026, placing Sutherland Shire in the spotlight as a top coastal destination just south of Sydney’s CBD.